Have you ever went out on a beautiful morning for a lovely run only to step in somebody else's dog poop left on the side walk? Smeared into the grooves on the bottom of your shoe, if you were walking to work the stench will probably stay with you all day which is pretty gross.This is what happens when owners don't take responsibility for their dogs mess and not cleaning it up.Here in Ontario where I'm from if you do not clean it up and someone calls by law you will most likely get a fine, this includes front and back yards as well as public sidewalks, parks etc.
Owning a dog takes great responsibility and that includes picking up after your dog. There is nothing more disgusting and insulting than stepping into somebody else's dogs mess because they were too lazy or forgetful to bring a plastic bag and pick it up.
Every city and state should have this law, it would keep our streets a lot cleaner and it is also a form of discipline to remind owners to take responsibility when out with their beloved four legged friend. It's only sanitary to change and throw out a baby's diaper after its soiled, what is it to bring a plastic bag for your dog.
There have been some arguments about this topic how everybody does their "business", which is true however not all of us poop on the sidewalk for the next guy to step in unexpectedly. If a dog owner takes their dog to a public place then yes, by all means there should be a by law stating to clean up your dogs mess, if you are out in the wilderness then that is a different story, I don't think many people go for brisk morning walks in the middle of the bush.
In a city or town where the population of pets is very high these days I agree with a "pick it up" by law. Maintaining the city streets by picking up what your dog left behind is part of being a good citizen of the city, caring about your fellow citizen and being a good dog owner.
Being a mother of two, when I bring my children to the local park I find myself going on the "poop watch" before they are allowed to play. Making sure there is nothing a dog owner may have forgotten that my children might step in and drag around all day. As unsanitary and disgusting as that sounds it is the truth and it has happened I'm sure to more than one person out there reading this.
Dogs are amazing animals and it isn't their fault if their poop is left and not picked up, the dogs only do it because its a natural needed bodily function but its up to the owner to step up and scoop it up. Clean up your city and be a proud pet owner.